Farmers Movement Archive

Vigil up as terror threat on Republic Day puts Delhi cops on toes

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, Delhi Police, in coordination with intelligence agencies, is carrying out massive security drills and combing exercises to thwart any attempt by terrorist organisations to disrupt law and order. Amid intelligence alerts of strike attempts by Pak-based groups, Delhi Police has, for the first time, put up posters asking people to keep a watch out for Khalistani terrorists in Delhi and inform them if anyone is spotted. The posters released till now mention absconding terrorists from al Qaeda, Indian Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other ISI-sponsored outfits. However, threats by pro-Khalistan outfits, including Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a banned organisation, have prompted them to make the public appeal. Recently, SFJ’s spokesperson Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had declared a huge reward for unfurling the Khalistani flag at India Gate on January 26. Drives have also been carried out to detain Rohingyas and other foreigners living illegally in Delhi. Around a dozen FIRs under Foreigners Act have been registered and many have been sent to Lampur detention centre in outer Delhi. Some Rohingya committee leaders have also been questioned. This time, only 25,000 spectators have been invited for the Republic Day celebrations. With a tractor rally planned by farmers on the same day, coupled with the protests at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders, Delhi Police brass has asked for extensive deployment of personnel on the ground. Police have moved an application before Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the tractor rally fearing disturbance of law and order. Over 50,000 cops are expected to be deployed across the capital with the focus being on central Delhi and the three borders, where around 20 companies, including outside forces, would be deployed. While cement roadblocks are being used at the borders, checkpoints are being created at short distances on arterial roads. The dog and bomb squads would be also deployed at strategic positions on January 26, an officer said. Apart from paramilitary and reserve police, there would be Army-aided deployed at and around Rajpath. The use of sub-conventional aerial platforms, including UAVs, paragliders and hot air balloons, has been banned between January 20 and February 15.

The Times of India

2021-01-18

Delhi